There is nothing quite like waking up to the sweet, warm embrace of Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe. This glorious treat captures the spirit of Mardi Gras right in your kitchen using a super simple dough made from just two ingredients. The soft, fluffy rolls layered with buttery cinnamon sugar and a luscious glaze create a symphony of flavors and colors that make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re serving these at a festive brunch or as an indulgent snack, they are guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, taste, and that unmistakable Mardi Gras flair. From the fluffy dough to the vibrant glaze, the simplicity of these ingredients is what makes this recipe so magical.
- 2 cups Self-Rising Flour: This ingredient provides the perfect rise and tender crumb, but you can substitute all-purpose flour plus baking powder if needed.
- 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and tanginess to the dough, keeping the rolls soft and fresh.
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar: Gives the filling a rich caramel sweetness, and you can swap coconut sugar or a stevia blend if preferred.
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon: The star spice that infuses every bite with its warm, aromatic charm.
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter: Adds buttery richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the dough; coconut oil is a great dairy-free alternative.
- 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar: For that silky smooth glaze, with powdered erythritol as a keto-friendly swap.
- 2 tbsp Milk: Helps thin the icing to a perfect drizzle consistency; use almond or any non-dairy milk as preferred.
- Food Coloring: Essential for that festive Mardi Gras vibe, choose natural options or skip if you prefer classic rolls.
- 1 cup Sugar or Stevia: Used for the filling sweetener, choose granulated sweetener that suits your taste.
How to Make Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and plain Greek yogurt. Mix them together gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough comes together. Then, on a floured surface, knead the dough gently for about 1 to 2 minutes. This short kneading process helps develop just enough structure to hold the shape without making the dough tough.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough evenly on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. This thickness keeps the rolls soft and pillowy while ensuring that when rolled, the cinnamon sugar filling stays perfectly layered inside.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Brush the entire surface of the rolled-out dough with the melted butter. This luscious layer not only moistens the dough but helps the cinnamon and brown sugar stick beautifully. Then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture across the buttered dough, distributing the flavor with every bite.
Step 4: Form the Rolls
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from one edge. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place these cut pieces, cut-side up, into a greased 8 x 8-inch baking dish, leaving just a little room for expansion in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to between 365°F and 375°F. Place the baking dish in the oven and let the rolls bake for roughly 25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on top. The smell of baking cinnamon rolls will fill your kitchen and create a festive atmosphere instantly.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
While the rolls are baking, mix the confectioners’ sugar with the milk in a small bowl. Stir until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze. If you want to keep the Mardi Gras spirit alive, add a few drops of food coloring here to give the icing pops of vibrant purple, green, or gold.
Step 7: Glaze and Festive Finish
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the icing generously over the top. For that final magical Mardi Gras touch, sprinkle colorful homemade or store-bought sprinkles or edible glitter right on top. This not only adds a burst of color but brings an extra layer of fun and festivity to every bite.
How to Serve Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and taste, consider garnishing with a fresh dusting of cinnamon or adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. Another option is to sprinkle a bit of purple, green, and gold sanding sugar for that authentic Mardi Gras look that dazzles on the eyes and palate simultaneously.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or steaming hot cocoa. For a more elaborate Mardi Gras brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to balance the sweet richness. A glass of sparkling cider or champagne adds a festive fizz to the celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls stacked on a tiered cake stand lined with colorful napkins reflecting Mardi Gras hues. You can also wrap individual rolls in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for party favors. Another fun idea is to place each roll in a mini cupcake liner with edible glitter for an extra-special touch that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last up to 5 days without losing softness. When stored properly, they remain as delicious as freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe another day, freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping but before baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Frozen dough can be baked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat stored rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. This refreshes their soft texture and melts the glaze beautifully. If frozen, thaw the rolls overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Absolutely! Just swap 2 cups of all-purpose flour plus 3 teaspoons of baking powder to mimic self-rising flour. This keeps your dough fluffy without extra effort.
Is Greek yogurt essential for the dough?
Greek yogurt contributes moisture and a slight tang that makes the rolls tender. You can use regular yogurt or fat-free versions, but Greek yogurt generally gives the best texture.
How do I make the recipe dairy-free?
Replace the melted butter with coconut oil and use plant-based yogurt and milk alternatives. This will keep the rolls delicious and perfect for dairy-sensitive friends.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. Just cover it tightly to prevent drying out.
How do I keep the cinnamon rolls colorful without artificial food coloring?
Try natural color extracts like beet juice for red/purple, spirulina for green, or turmeric for gold. These add vibrant hues while keeping things natural.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe a try the next time you want to bring a bit of joyful celebration to your table. It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something so wonderfully festive, delicious, and comforting. Your friends and family will be asking for this recipe again and again, and you’ll love how easy it is to make Mardi Gras magic right at home.
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Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls recipe features a simple two-ingredient dough made from self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, rolled with a cinnamon and brown sugar filling, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a smooth sweet icing and festive sprinkles. Perfect for a quick and delicious treat that embodies the fun and flavors of Mardi Gras.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups Self-Rising Flour (or substitute with all-purpose flour plus baking powder)
- 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (regular or fat-free alternative works)
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar or a stevia blend)
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter (coconut oil can be used for dairy-free)
Icing Ingredients
- 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (powdered erythritol for keto-friendly version)
- 2 tbsp Milk (almond milk or any non-dairy milk alternative)
Additional
- Food Coloring (optional, natural preferred or omit)
- 1 cup Sugar or Stevia (any granulated sweetener to taste)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. Mix until a soft dough comes together. Then lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough gently for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Roll Out Dough: Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough evenly on the floured surface to about a ½-inch thickness, ensuring an even layer for rolling.
- Add the Filling: Brush the entire surface of the rolled dough with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar evenly over the buttered dough for a sweet and spiced flavor.
- Shape the Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log shape starting from one edge. Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife.
- Prepare to Bake: Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish. Arrange the cut rolls with the swirled side facing up inside the dish, spaced evenly.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 365-375°F (185-190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the cinnamon rolls for approximately 25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Make the Icing: While rolls are baking, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven. Drizzle the icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls and sprinkle festive colorful homemade sprinkles if desired. Serve warm for best enjoyment.
Notes
- Substitute self-rising flour with all-purpose flour plus 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Greek yogurt can be swapped for regular or fat-free yogurt for a lighter option.
- For dairy-free, replace melted butter with coconut oil and use non-dairy milk for the icing.
- Adjust cinnamon quantity according to personal preference for spiciness.
- Natural food coloring can enhance the Mardi Gras vibe but is optional.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
